LEAGUE leaders Rainhill CChad to settle for a draw in their top-of-the-table clash at Buckley on Saturday.

Rainhill batted first and Peter Mercer was the anchor man in his unbeaten half century which tooktwo-and-three-quarter hours to compile.

But wickets went down steadily as Buckley's bowlers piled on the pressure. But in came Paul Robinson who played himself in and then unleashed a hard-hitting 42, including two sixes before being trapped LBW.

In an excellent effort to get the declaration Chris Carlisle added a quick 15 as Rainhill reached 162-7 off 44 overs to ensure double batting points.

In reply, Buckley made a brave effort to get to the target which included some dogged resistance from D. Hodgson who scored quite freely for his 47. It wasn't until the last 20 overs that Rainhill started to take wickets which included Paul Robinson's 2-56-22 overs, followed by Nick Chapman's 2-20 and Mattie Dale took 2-16.

Buckley finished on 125-6 making it a draw with 10 points to Rainhill and 6 points to Buckley The 2nd XI were a bit aggrieved by the two LBW decisions that Buckley's umpire gave. Thiscut short in form Dave Hawkins' innings of 39. Ian Kelly also extended his run of form to a joint top score of 39 as did Alan Malthouse with an unbeaten 22 to enable a declaration at 140-7 off 50 overs.

After tea, Buckley made a steady reply. Rainhill's bowlers made excellent progress with Chris Wilson returning to form, to take a 5 wicket haul for 43. This was backed up by all rounder Ian Kelly who took 3 for 30 and Andy Birkett still takes the wickets with 2 for 8 and 6 maidens in 10 overs.The result of the match was not decided until the final over when the 2nd XI bowled Buckley out for 109 off 43.2 overs.

The Sunday XI were up against a very strong Old Xaverians side with several first teamers in it. Old Xavs started steadily but then went on the attack to amass 195 for 5 declared off 42 overs with Rainhill's Matthew Dooling bowling 15 of them to take 2 for 50. Ross Strachan did well to keep the runs down in his excellent figures of 2 for 28 and young Liam Pearson was hard done by to get 1 for 66 and Andy Birkett took 2 catches behind the stumps, plus a brilliant catch by Captain Joe Crossley two handed over his head. In reply the Sunday XI slumped to 47 all out with Liam Pearson scoring 10, Matthew Dooling unbeaten on 14 to share a stand of 20 with David Crossley.